Identifying With Christ

‘Identify’ is a trendy word in our culture. Biological men want to ‘identify’ as women. Biological women want to ‘identify’ as men. Men and women have dressed up as animals in order to ‘identify’ themselves as that animal and try to act like that animal. For them, it is not a publicity stunt. In a strange way, they truly believe they are that animal.

As Christians, we must seek to ‘identify’ ourselves as united to Christ. Romans chapter 6 is devoted to getting the message across to us that we can be united with Christ, and thus our identification will be with Christ:

For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection, knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:5‭-‬6‭, ‬11 NKJV)

But what does that union to Christ mean? How should that identification play out in our lives? The following verses speak volumes:

For God wanted them to know that the riches and glory of Christ are for you Gentiles, too. And this is the secret: Christ lives in you. This gives you assurance of sharing His Glory. (Colossians 1:27 NLT)

And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all His glory. (Colossians 3:4 NLT)

“Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in Me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5 NLT)

My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. (Galatians 2:20 NLT)

For God knew His people in advance, and He chose them to become like His Son, so that His Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. (Romans 8:29 NLT)

Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. (Galatians 5:24 NLT)

For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead. (Colossians 2:12 NLT)

As for me, may I never boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of that cross, my interest in this world has been crucified, and the world’s interest in me has also died. (Galatians 6:14 NLT)

You have died with Christ, and He has set you free from the spiritual powers of this world. (Colossians 2:20a NLT)

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to His cross and crucified them there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. (Galatians 5:22‭-‬25 NLT)

Who do you identify with? Are you united with Jesus Christ, who is the only one that we can identify with that really matters:

“There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12 NLT)